Malaysia’s King Abdicates After Two Years on Throne

The 15th king of Malaysia, Sultan Muhammad V, salutes the royal guard of honour during the opening ceremony of the parliament in Kuala Lumpur on July 17, 2018. Mohd Rasfan/AFP/Getty Images
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KUALA LUMPUR—Malaysia’s King Muhammad V abdicated on Jan. 6, the palace said, after two years on the throne, the first time a monarch has stepped down before completing their five-year tenure.

The king’s resignation took effect immediately, the National Palace said in a statement. No reason was given and palace officials did not respond to requests for comment.